In a bold move, one former VP of sales decided to leave his high-paying job to pursue a passion for social media. This decision led him on a journey of learning, creativity, and ultimately, success in a new field. Here’s how he turned his life around by starting from scratch.

Key Takeaways

• Embrace the willingness to start from zero.
• Seek out learning opportunities, even if it means traveling.
• Use creativity to stand out in a competitive job market.
• Leverage your existing skills in new ways.

The Turning Point

Around 2007, the speaker found himself at a crossroads. He was a VP of sales, making decent money, but he felt miserable. He had a moment of clarity after attending a talk by Gary Vaynerchuk, a well-known figure in the social media world. Inspired by Gary’s passion, he realized he wanted to dive into the social media ecosystem.

However, there was a problem. He faced a catch-22: he wanted to work in social media, but companies were looking for candidates with social media experience. Frustrated but determined, he decided to take a leap of faith.

Taking The Leap

After being laid off, he took three months off to reset his life. During this time, he made a crucial decision: he was willing to start from zero. This meant letting go of his past achievements and embracing a new beginning.

• Reset Button: He took time off to reflect and plan.
• Willingness to Learn: He was ready to learn everything he could about social media.

Learning and Networking

To kickstart his journey, he flew to San Francisco to attend a specific conference focused on social media. For three days, he immersed himself in learning. He attended breakout sessions, networked with others, and soaked up as much knowledge as possible.

This experience was not just educational; it was joyful. He felt alive, excited about the possibilities ahead.

Creative Job Search

While at the conference, he learned about a young woman named Jamie Von, who had launched a website called twitterhireme.com. Inspired, he quickly purchased the domain facebookhireme.com and started blogging about his job search.

His creativity paid off. His blog caught the attention of Fortune magazine, which featured it as a creative way to look for a job. This exposure opened doors for him.

Landing The First Job

With the article in hand, he approached potential employers with confidence. He landed his first job in social media at Buddy Media. He realized that his skills in manipulating media were transferable, even if he lacked direct social media experience.

• Key Skills: He understood media dynamics, which helped him adapt quickly.
• Confidence: He believed in his ability to learn and grow in this new field.

Conclusion

The journey from VP of sales to a social media professional wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. By being willing to start from zero, embracing learning opportunities, and using creativity, he transformed his career.

If you find yourself stuck in a job that doesn’t fulfill you, remember: it’s never too late to hit the reset button and pursue your passion. Sometimes, starting from zero is the best way to find your true path.